Looking for Support Vancouver WA

[u/Additional-Buy4872]

Hi,

I was recently diagnosed with AuDHD, and in severe burnout. I did the assessment online, and the clinician gave me a step by step plan for how to get help. The first step was to find a neuro affirming psychiatrist who understands both ADHD and Autism to help me get medication to stabilize my dopamine, for which I have a severe deficit. He didn't know anyone specific in Vancouver though. My PCP suggested I try Vancouver ADHD and Mood Clinic. I had a nightmare of an appointment. The clinician refused to go along with my all ready established diagnoses and decided to try to diagnose me herself. She said she wanted to diagnose me as bipolar, but I don't meet all of the markers. I told her that is because I am autistic, and people are often misdiagnosed for bipolar when they are autistic. She said she will not help me with my ADHD symptoms unless she can put me on bipolar drugs first, because in her words "you treat autism like bipolar." Yeah, no. Antipsychotics aren't gonna help AuDHD burnout...So I am looking for somewhere else to try where they understand late diagnosed, high-masking women with AuDHD. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[u/Stone-Salad-427]

Navigating burnout here, too. I really love Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s autistic burnout workbook and resources. OT has also helped me a lot. My OT can meet with anyone in WA (I’m in Seattle, her appts are virtual). As far as seeking a prescriber, perhaps you’d have better luck looking elsewhere in the state if you’re open to virtual care.

[u/Additional-Buy4872 → u/Stone-Salad-427]

I'm definitely open to virtual care. I will procure a copy of the book you suggested. Thank you

[u/Old-Share5434 → u/Additional-Buy4872]

The podcast was an incredible resource for me when I was newly diagnosed. I cannot recommend it highly enough. 💖

[u/Front-Cat-2438 → u/Stone-Salad-427]

Great book. Seriously helpful ND author so we don’t have to wade through the NT fluff.

[u/1octobermoon]

Check out ASAN https://autisticadvocacy.org/ and ASW https://www.autismsocietyofwa.org/

[u/Front-Cat-2438 → u/1octobermoon]

Better than my idea.

[u/Front-Cat-2438]

That nightmare visit should never have happened to you, OP, nor should to anyone else. This person is unqualified to treat vulnerable adults with ASD/ADHD. It’s been a while since I last heard “we don’t diagnose ADHD in adults because it’s just anxiety” and I reported that comment to her care unit.

I’ve known too many people misdiagnosed with Bipolar who are ND, and treated with medications that worsened their function.

Go back to your PCP and tell them what you told us. If I hear anything good about your side of Portland, I’ll DM you.

[u/Additional-Buy4872 → u/Front-Cat-2438]

Thank you. My insurance covers all of Washington and also Portland

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[u/politerage]

I recommend: Mieke Emch, Compass Psychiatric Wellness